PRESS BOX: IN BRIEF

In Brief

March 16, 2009

*BASEBALL: Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez aggravated his sore left hamstring while playing the outfield for the first time this spring. The slugger was hurt during Sunday's game against the Rockies while chasing a ball in the fourth inning. ... Yankees catcher Jorge Posada caught for the first time since right shoulder surgery in July. ... Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester finalized a $30 million, five-year contract, a deal that could be worth $42.75 million over six seasons if Boston exercises a club option for 2014. ... Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has been diagnosed with an abdominal strain and will likely be out only a matter of days, not weeks as originally feared. ... The Orioles have shut down right-hander Jim Johnson for at least a week so they can try to determine the cause of discomfort in his right shoulder. ... Nomar Garciaparra had two hits and scored a run in his debut for the Athletics, an 8-1 victory over the Angels.

*NBA : Caron Butler missed the Wizards' game against the Kings with a tight left hamstring. ... Rudy Fernandez returned to the Trail Blazers after missing two games with chest and hip injuries from a hard foul. Fernandez went scoreless in 18 minutes against the Hawks. ... Pacers All-Star swingman Danny Granger returned from an 11-game absence, coming off the bench in Indiana's game against the Raptors. ... Mavericks forward Devean George needs arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

*NHL : Brian Pothier, who hasn't played in the NHL for more than a year because of vision problems resulting from a concussion, was recalled from the minors by the Capitals.

*GOLF: Michael Bradley won the Puerto Rico Open by one shot after sinking an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 14-under 274.

*SOCCER: Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 to move within four points of Manchester United in the Premier League standings. Both Chelsea and Liverpool are four points behind the defending champion, which has a game in hand. ... Australia has formally submitted its bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.